The stage is set for a blockbuster clash as Northampton Saints and Exeter Chiefs gear up to face each other in the 2025/26 Gallagher Premiership Rugby final at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium on Saturday, June 20, 2026. After nine months of high-octane rugby, featuring ten teams, 18 rounds, and a whopping 92 matches, these two powerhouses now stand just 80 minutes away from potential glory. With the kick-off scheduled for 3pm, all eyes in the rugby world are locked on English rugby’s grandest stage.
Northampton Saints, who topped the league table and have been the side to beat all season, arrive at Twickenham with confidence and momentum. Their journey to the final saw them dispatch local rivals Leicester Tigers in the semi-finals, securing their second final appearance in three years. The Saints’ brand of adventurous, attacking rugby has won them plenty of admirers—and plenty of points. Their starting XV remains unchanged from their semi-final triumph, but the big news is the return of England and British & Irish Lions scrum-half Alex Mitchell, who has recovered from a hamstring strain and will feature off the bench. According to official team news, Mitchell’s presence “buoyed” the Saints’ camp as they look to regain the title they last won in 2024.
On the other side, Exeter Chiefs have battled their way to the final in dramatic fashion. Their route was anything but straightforward, needing a final-day win over Saracens just to secure a playoff spot. In the semi-finals, the Chiefs pulled off a stunning comeback, overturning a 16-point deficit to edge out reigning champions Bath by a single point at the Rec—a feat that has already entered club folklore. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, the electric winger who has just recovered from jaw surgery, is declared fit and starts on the wing, giving Exeter a vital attacking edge. There are two changes to the Chiefs’ starting XV: Ethan Roots comes in for Christ Tshiunza on the blindside, while Feyi-Waboso’s return is expected to add serious pace out wide.
What’s at stake? For Northampton, it’s a chance to reclaim the crown they last held in 2024, marking a remarkable resurgence after a decade-long wait for final glory prior to that. For Exeter, the prospect of lifting their first Premiership trophy since 2020 looms large. No team has ever won the Premiership title from third place in the table—a statistic that adds an extra layer of intrigue to the Chiefs’ campaign. But if there’s one thing this season has proven, it’s that you can never count Rob Baxter’s men out.
Fans eager to catch every moment of the action are spoiled for choice. The match is being broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and HBO Max, with coverage beginning at 1:30pm. Even better, UK viewers can watch for free on ITV4 and ITVX, with pre-match build-up starting at 2:30pm. International audiences aren’t left out either: FloRugby carries the game for US viewers, Stan Sport has coverage in Australia, and Sky Sport NZ is the destination for New Zealand fans. Radio listeners can tune into BBC Radio Devon and BBC Radio Northampton for live commentary, while highlights will be posted on the Premiership Rugby website shortly after the final whistle.
The atmosphere at Twickenham is expected to be electric, with a sweltering afternoon forecast only adding to the intensity. Both teams’ line-ups are packed with talent and experience. For the Saints, George Furbank captains the side from full-back, with Tommy Freeman, Tom Litchfield, Rory Hutchinson, and George Hendy forming a potent backline. Fin Smith orchestrates play at fly-half, while Archie McParland starts at scrum-half. The pack features Emmanuel Iyogun, Curtis Langdon, and Elliot Millar Mills in the front row, with Alex Coles and Ed Prowse at lock. Josh Kemeny, Tom Pearson, and Henry Pollock round out the back row, promising physicality at the breakdown. The replacements’ bench, featuring the returning Alex Mitchell, could prove decisive in the closing stages.
For Exeter, Olly Woodburn anchors the back three alongside Feyi-Waboso and Campbell Ridl. Henry Slade and Len Ikitau form a formidable midfield partnership, with Harvey Skinner at fly-half and Stephen Varney at scrum-half. Up front, the Chiefs rely on Scott Sio, Max Norey, and Josh Iosefa-Scott, with captain Dafydd Jenkins and Andrea Zambonin locking the scrum. Tom Hooper, Ethan Roots, and Greg Fisilau make up a dynamic back row, while the bench—featuring Joseph Dweba, Ethan Burger, and Christ Tshiunza—offers plenty of impact.
The officiating team for the final is led by referee Matthew Carley, assisted by Adam Leal and Anthony Woodthorpe, with Ian Tempest serving as TMO. Their decisions could be crucial in what promises to be a tightly contested affair.
Both clubs have rich histories in the Premiership, and the Twickenham final often delivers unforgettable drama. Who can forget the Saints’ controversial extra-time win over Saracens in 2014, or Exeter’s maiden title triumph in 2017 courtesy of Gareth Steenson’s nerve-shredding penalty? The Chiefs have also been on the wrong end of some heartbreakers, including the 2021 final where Harlequins snatched victory in a late flurry. Saturday’s showdown adds another chapter to this storied rivalry.
Looking back at this season, the Saints have been the league’s most consistent side, blending youth and experience with a fearless approach to attack. Their semi-final win over Leicester Tigers was a testament to their resilience and tactical nous. Meanwhile, Exeter’s journey has been defined by grit and comeback spirit. Their semi-final heroics at Bath—coming from 16 points down to win by a single point—epitomized their never-say-die attitude. As one commentator put it, “No team has ever won the PREM trophy from third place in the table, but you’d be unwise to bet against English rugby’s form team.”
For fans unable to attend in person, there’s no shortage of ways to stay connected. From live TV and streaming options to radio commentary and detailed live blogs, every angle of this final is covered. Social media is already abuzz with predictions, analysis, and a touch of nerves from both sets of supporters. The build-up has been feverish, and as kick-off approaches, anticipation is reaching a boiling point.
With a new Premiership trophy on the line and both teams boasting full-strength squads, rugby fans can expect a contest brimming with skill, passion, and perhaps a twist or two. Will Northampton’s attacking flair see them home, or can Exeter’s resilience deliver a historic title from third place? One thing’s for sure: the 2025/26 Gallagher Premiership final is shaping up to be a classic.
As the teams take to the field at Twickenham, the air crackles with possibility. Rugby’s grand finale is upon us, and the only certainty is that the Allianz Stadium will witness another unforgettable chapter in English rugby history. Stay tuned—this one’s too close to call!